Political Tensions Rise in Mumbai Over BJP Leader's Remarks

A political controversy has erupted in Mumbai following statements made by BJP leader Annamalai, which prompted a strong response from Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray. Thackeray accused the BJP of disrespecting Maharashtra and exploiting its resources, while Annamalai's claims about Mumbai being an international city have added fuel to the fire. This exchange highlights the growing tensions between the two parties as they prepare for upcoming elections. The situation reflects broader issues of governance and public sentiment in the region, making it a significant topic in current political discourse.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 15:58 IST

Controversy Erupts Following BJP Leader's Statement

In Mumbai, a controversy has emerged following remarks made by BJP leader Annamalai. Just a day after his statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray responded on Monday, asserting that the party's sole aim is to demean the state and exploit it. Thackeray addressed journalists in Mumbai, stating that Annamalai represents the BJP, which he described as 'void'. He pointed out that Annamalai has failed to win elections in the region and could not even secure his bail. It was suggested that Annamalai was being portrayed as a potential future Prime Minister, but in reality, Tamil Nadu has proven him to be insignificant.

Thackeray emphasized that while Chief Minister Stalin is rapidly advancing Tamil Nadu, BJP leaders are merely engaged in disputes and insults. He accused Annamalai of disrespecting Maharashtra, asserting that the state will not tolerate such behavior. Thackeray claimed that both Annamalai and the BJP have insulted Maharashtra.

Thackeray's comments came in response to Annamalai's earlier statement during a rally in Dharavi, where he claimed that Mumbai is 'an international city, not just a city of Maharashtra'. The UBT leader alleged that the BJP is distracting the public with various welfare schemes and communal issues while selling the entire state to industrialists.

He remarked, 'Regardless of what the BJP government does, the public knows that it has no attachment to Mumbai or Maharashtra. People see how they keep us entangled in issues like gender or Hindu-Muslim conflicts while giving away Maharashtra to industrialists for free. This is not governance; it is misgovernance.' Previously, when Annamalai called for a 'triple engine government' in Maharashtra, he reiterated that Mumbai is not just a city of Maharashtra but an international metropolis.

Annamalai had also stated that Mumbai requires a triple-engine government, emphasizing the need for BJP leadership in the city. He highlighted that Mumbai is a global metropolis with a budget exceeding ₹40,000 crores, in stark contrast to Bengaluru's ₹19,000 crores and Chennai's ₹8,000 crores.